Finance seminar

SEPT. 29—The Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University will host a Finance and Business Seminar from 8-9:30 a.m. at Chatham University, Howe-Childs Gatehouse, Woodland Rd., Shadyside. This is the fourth in a four-part seminar series held in conjunction with Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP about finances, which is a critical part of business. After each session there will be an “ask the finance expert” session. The topic is “Is It Time for a Tune-Up? Preventative Maintenance for Your Assets.” Presenters Karen T. Mangis and Anne M. Stalter will discuss some potential risks and results of a lack of control, as well as cost effective controls for small business owners. Registration is required and the cost is $20 per seminar, which includes a continental breakfast. For more information, visit www.chatham.edu/cwe.

Every great business has a mission statement that defines their goals and objectives. The underlying premise can best be explained in a phrase coined by world renowned motivational speaker Zig Zigler. “If you help enough people get what they want, you will eventually get what you want.” Most of us have been very diligent in regards to carrying out our employer’s mission thus helping them give the consumer what they want—quality services and/or products at an acceptable price. In return the company eventually gets what it wants—profits from the sales of quality services and/or products that will allow them to expand, invest and diversify so that the company will enjoy a long productive, profitable life.

Grind for greatness is the mantra of entrepre­neur, trainer, speaker, James “Bird” Guess.

“I want you to succeed and reach your goals to become successful,” he told his audience from the Micro Business Institute. During his four- hour presentation and using his mantra, Guess outlined his formula of how to execute a strategy of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE—James ‘Bird’ Guess empowers his audience while presenting his well tested success principles.

“I came from nothing, but I am still grinding,” said Guess, explaining that success is a process. Outlining his formula of how to become an accomplished entrepreneur, he defined grinding as when an entrepreneur creates success using ambition, vision, strategy and perseverance. Utilizing his “Success Book,” one of many training tools developed through his company, Guess stressed that a fiery spark of energy, a mental picture, a unique plan of action and the refusal to stop trying is important to achieve anything in life.

In its ongoing pursuit of business opportunities for its members, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania has begun its 2010-2011 season of Power Breakfast meetings.

The Sept. 17 meeting at the Rivers Club, Downtown, featured a presentation by James Golding, managing director of purchasing for FedEx Ground. Golding first gave an overview of the company’s structure, which has become highly compartmentalized in the quest for efficiency.

BIG PICTURE—James Golding, FedEx Ground managing director of purchasing, gives African American Chamber of Commerce members an overview of the company’s divisions and how purchasing is handled by each.

“FedEx is a holding company, with four major companies underneath; FedEx Express, which is air freight; FedEx Freight, which is over the road, FedEx Ground, which is the vans you see at your house, and FedEx Office,” he said.